Aitor Karanka proud of Middlesbrough effort

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka says he is proud of his side following their comeback against Birmingham City on Wednesday.

Boro went down on the stroke of half-time at St Andrew's after Paul Caddis converted a penalty that saw goalkeeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos sent off.

But Patrick Bamford's equaliser in the 74th minute earned Karanka's men a point, and that sent them back to the top of the Sky Bet Championship.

“I’m very proud of all the players,” said Karanka.

“They know that and I told them after the game that finally we’re at the top of the table and we are there because all of them deserve it.

“Now we have to defend this position and it’s going to be very difficult. After 31 games we’re at the top and I don’t know if anyone thought we would be in this position back in June or July, but we are and now we have to defend it.

“I say in every press conference that this league is very tough. Derby drew their last game and so did Bournemouth. Plus, Watford are also close and Norwich.

“This league will be tight till the end. Now we’re top of the table but we will be making a mistake thinking everything is done. All the players are doing really well so we have to enjoy being in this position and defend it now.”